The Regional Equity Atlas Map Series offers an introduction to key Atlas 2.0 maps along with a preliminary analysis of findings.
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Introduction Population Health |
Access to Opportunity |
Exploring the maps further
Above each map in the Map Series is a link that takes you directly to the dynamic version of that map in the Atlas online mapping tool. Opening the map in the tool enables you to zoom in to particular neighborhoods, add or delete indicators, view statistical tables related to the map, add reference layers such as roads or county boundaries, and locate a particular address on the map.
For more information about how to use the online mapping tool to customize and analyze the maps, see the Mapping Tool User Guide.
Next steps in the analysis
The analyses of the maps in the Map Series are intended as a brief introduction to the Atlas findings and a starting point for further conversation. In many cases, additional statistical analysis can help us develop a more complete understanding of the equity implications of the data. Coalition for a Livable Future plans to work with our partner organizations over the upcoming months to develop a series of white papers that offer an in-depth analysis of specific topic areas along with policy recommendations.
Understanding the Map Series scoring system
Many of the Map Series analyses use a 1-5 scoring system to compare access to resources across the region’s neighborhoods.
For indicators that measure proximity to a particular resource (e.g. grocery stores, parks, retail services, etc.), the mapping tool assigns a score to roughly every square block on the map based on how far that block is from the resource. The proximity scores are generated based on the following classification scheme:
|
Score |
Proximity |
|---|---|
|
5 |
0 to ¼ mile |
|
4 |
¼ to ½ mile |
|
3 |
½ to ¾ mile |
|
2 |
¾ to 1 mile |
|
1 |
1 mile and over |
Based on these scores, the mapping tool generates an aggregate score for a neighborhood, census tract, city or county by adding up all the scores for each of the blocks in that geographic area and averaging them together.
For indicators that measure the density of a particular population or resource, the mapping tool generates a 1-5 score to reflect the density of the indicator within a specific geographic area (e.g. per acre, square mile, etc.) The density scores are generated based on the following classification scheme:
|
Score |
Density |
|---|---|
|
5 |
High |
|
4 |
High-Medium |
|
3 |
Medium |
|
2 |
Medium-Low |
|
1 |
Low |
The specific densities that correspond to each score vary by indicator. The classification schemes for each density indicator are listed in the Mapping Tool User Guide and in the Metadata. Because the density scores do not use a uniform classification scheme, they can be used to compare the densities of a specific indicator across different geographic areas, but cannot be used to compare the densities of different indicators to one another.
For a more detailed explanation of the mapping tool’s scoring system, see the Mapping Tool User Guide.